Support for a pipe

ABSTRACT

A support for a pipe. The support includes a body and at least one base configured so as to be in contact with and connected to a fixing surface. The support includes an orifice for receiving the pipe. Two inner members are disposed within the body. A first inner member is disposed in the body and a second inner member is disposed in the first inner member. The outer surface of the first inner member is spherical. The first and second inner members are configured to move relative to all three axes to position 360 degrees.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/294,353 filed on Oct. 14, 2016, which in turn claimspriority to French Application No. 1559838 filed on Oct. 16, 2015, theentire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates to a support for a pipe, for example apipe for a fluid circuit.

An aircraft typically comprises at least one fluid circuit forchanneling the fuel from a tank to the engines. A fluid circuitincludes, amongst other things, a succession of pipes arrangedend-to-end. Two successive pipes are connected by a connector which isusually a sleeve, the ends of the pipes being fitted therein. In orderto ensure the sealing, an annular seal is interposed between the end ofeach pipe and the sleeve of the connector.

According to the known embodiments, the connectors are configured so asto compensate for a possible angular error and to permit a slight axialmovement between two successive pipes. At each end of the pipe, theconnection between the pipe and the connector is a linear typeconnection. As a result, the mounting of a pipe between two connectorsis implemented without the occurrence of stress.

In certain circumstances, it is necessary to provide a support tosupport the pipe so as to limit, in particular, the transfer of loadonto the joints of the connectors. Each support includes a collar, orhousing, which surrounds the pipe section and a base secured to thecollar and which connects the collar to a structure of the aircraft.

In spite of the care given to the mounting, the longitudinal axis of thecollar is not generally aligned with the straight line passing throughthe centers of the linear connections provided at each end of the pipe.This misalignment produces stresses in the region of the joints of theconnectors which causes the occurrence of wear in these joints.

U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2017/0108145, assigned to the present Applicant andthe entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference, discloses asupport that aims to remedy the drawbacks of the current supports. Toovercome some of the problems associated with prior art supports, USPat. Pub. No. 2017/0108145 discloses supports that utilize two ringmembers, with an inner member disposed in an outer member and the outerring member disposed in the housing. Both ring members include aneccentric orifice. By rotating at least one of the ring members, thelongitudinal axis of the aperture containing the pipe moves. This allowsfor the longitudinal axis of the aperture to be adjusted to obtain aposition that is generally aligned with the straight line passingthrough the centers of the linear connections provided at each end ofthe pipe.

However, while the supports disclosed in US Pat. Pub. No. 2017/0108145are effective for its intended purposes, and improve over the prior art,in some situations the straight line passing through the centers of thelinear connections provided at each end of the pipe may not be perfectlyhorizonal as the pipe passes through the support. In such circumstances,it would desirable to provide a support with more movement. Thus, thepresent invention aims to provide a support that reduces the strain on apipe wherein a straight line passing through the centers of the linearconnections provided at each end of the pipe is not perfectly horizonalas the pipe passes through the support.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides a support for a pipe, thesupport comprising a housing and at least one base. The support includesat least one inner member having an orifice configured to receive thepipe. The inner member is configured to be pivoted or rotated about atleast two axes (that are perpendicular to each other at theirintersection) and preferably all three axes, to align a longitudinalaxis of the orifice with the straight line passing through the centersof the linear connections provided at each end of the pipe. Thismovement to align the pipe and minimize the stresses applied to theconnectors present at each end of the pipe and thus to limit the risk ofwear to the joints of the connectors.

According to at least a first aspect, a support for a pipe is providedwhich includes a housing, a first inner member inside of the housing anda second inner member inside of the first inner member. The housingincludes a top cover and at least one base. The first inner memberincludes a body with a spherical outer surface and an eccentric orifice.The second inner member is rotatably disposed within the orifice of thefirst inner member. The second inner member includes a body and aneccentric orifice.

According to at least a second aspect, a support for a pipe is providedwhich includes a housing and at least one inner member having aspherical outer surface and being disposed in the housing such that theat least one inner member is configured to change an orientation andposition of a longitudinal axis of the pipe. The housing includes a topcover and at least one base. The at least one inner member forms aneccentric orifice configured to receive the pipe.

According to at least a third aspect, a support for a pipe is providedwhich includes a housing, a first inner member, and a second innermember. The housing has a top cover and at least one base. The firstinner member is secured within the housing and is formed from at leasttwo separate parts. The first inner member has a spherical outer surfaceand an eccentric orifice. The second inner member is rotatably disposedwithin the eccentric orifice of the first inner member and includes aneccentric orifice configured to receive the pipe.

Additional aspects, embodiments, and details of the present disclosure,all of which may be combinable in any manner, are set forth in thefollowing detailed description of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages will be disclosed from the followingdescription of the invention, the description being provided solely byway of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pipe provided with a support accordingto the present application;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a support according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a body and a base of the support shown inFIG. 2;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a first inner member of the supportshown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4B is an exploded view of the first inner member shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a front view of the first inner member shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a second inner member of the supportshown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5B is a front view of the second inner member shown in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating another support according toan embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the support of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the support of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a second inner member of the supportshown in FIG. 6; and,

FIG. 9B is an exploded view of the second inner member shown in FIG. 9A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIG. 1, a fluid circuit includes a pipe 10 positionedbetween an upstream pipe 10′ and a downstream pipe 10″ is depicted inFIG. 1. As is known, the pipe 10 has a first end 12 a connected to theupstream pipe 10′ with a first connector 14 a and a second end 12 bconnected to the downstream pipe 10″ with a second connector 14 b. Eachconnector 14 a, 14 b is, for example, a sleeve, with the first or secondend 12 a, 12 b of the pipe 10 being fitted therein. To ensure thesealing, each connector 14 a, 14 b includes a seal (not shown)interposed between the end 12 a, 12 b of the pipe 10 and the sleeve. Ateach of its first and second ends 12 a, 12 b, the pipe 10 comprises aconnection with the first or second connector 14 a, 14 b which is of thelinear type. The linear connections present at the ends 12 a, 12 b ofthe pipe 10 are illustrated by their centers respectively O1 and O2 inFIG. 1.

In order to reduce the stress on the connections between the connectors14 a, 14 b and the pipe 10, it is desirable to ensure that alongitudinal axis of the pipe 10 is as close as possible to a straightline passing through the centers of the linear connections provided ateach end of the pipe (preferably, the longitudinal axis is the straightline passing through the centers of the linear connections provided ateach end of the pipe). The pipe 10 is provided with a support 16 whichsupports the pipe 10 along its length and also connects the pipe 10 to astructure 18.

As shown in FIG. 2, the support 16 comprises a housing 20 including atop cover 21 and at least one base 22. Rotatably housed inside of thehousing 20 is at least one, and preferably two, inner member 24 a, 24 b.The inner members 24 a, 24 b form an orifice 26 that receives the pipe10. The inner members 24 a, 24 b are pivoted or rotated about at leasttwo axes that are perpendicular to each other at their intersection.Preferably, the inner members 24 a, 24 b are pivoted or rotated aboutthree axes that are perpendicular to each other at their intersection.This movement allows an orientation of a longitudinal axis of theorifice 26 that houses the pipe 10 to be positioned and aligned with (orclose to) the straight line passing through the centers of the linearconnections provided at each end of the pipe (see FIG. 1).

Turning to FIG. 3, the top cover 21 and the base 22 form the housing 20and are held together by fasteners (not shown) used to secure thesupport 10 to the structure 18 (see FIG. 1). The fasteners pass throughaligned apertures 28 in both the top cover 21 and the at least one base22.

As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, a first inner member 24 a comprises a body31 with an eccentric orifice 32. An outer surface 34 of the first innermember 24 a comprises a spherical outer surface. In other words, thebody 31 of the first inner member 24 a forms a spherical segment (orzone) of two bases.

Returning to FIG. 3, an inner surface 36 of the top cover 21 and aninner surface 38 of the base 22 both include at least a portion thatcomprises a spherical surface 40 a, 40 b corresponding to the outersurface 34 of the first inner member 24 a. The use of the sphericalsurfaces 40 a, 40 b allow the first inner member 24 a to be rotated orpivoted while housed within the housing 20.

In order to maintain the first inner member 24 a within the housing 20,the spherical surface 40 a of the inner surface 36 of the top cover 21is bounded by two inwardly extending flanges 42 a, 42 b, each flange 42a, 42 b disposed along one side of inner surface 36 of the top cover 21.The flanges 42 a, 42 b prevent the first inner member 24 a from beingremoved from the housing 20 by interference.

Returning to FIGS. 4A-4C, the first inner member 24 a is formed by twoparts 50 a, 50 b to permit the mounting of the first inner member 24 aaround the pipe 10, and more specifically around the second inner member24 b mounted on the pipe 10, without having to dismantle one of the ends12 a, 12 b thereof According to one embodiment, the two parts 50 a, 50 bare approximately symmetrical relative to a longitudinal plane.Preferably, the two parts 50 a, 50 b have complementary shapes 52 a, 52b in order to block a translation in the longitudinal direction of oneof the two parts 50 a, 50 b relative to the other part 50 a, 50 b whenthe two parts 50 a, 50 b of the first inner member 24 a are assembled.By way of example of this complementarity, the first inner member 24 aincludes a female part 52 a and a male part 52 b. The female part 52 ais configured to receive the male part 52 b.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the second inner member 24 b has a body 54with an orifice 56. It is preferred that the orifice 56 of the secondinner member 24 b is eccentric. According to some embodiments, a profileof the body 54, when viewed along a longitudinal axis of the orifice 56(e.g. as shown in FIG. 5B), of the body 54 of the second inner member 24b is C-shaped. In other words, the body 54 of the second inner member isgenerally cylindrical; however, less than a complete cylinder is formed.Specifically, the body 54 includes a middle portion 58 which is thickerthan two wings 60 a, 60 b extending away from the middle portion 58along a circumference of a circle. The wings 60 a, 60 b do not meet anda gap 62 is formed opposite the middle portion 58. The body 54 of thesecond inner member 24 b also includes two planar faces, a front face 64a and a rear face 64 b. Finally, the second inner member 24 b alsoincludes a tab 66 that facilitates movement of the inner members 24 a,24 b while within the housing 20.

Returning to FIGS. 4A to 4C, an inner surface 67 of the first innermember 24 a provides the eccentric orifice 32 with a cylindrical shapeto rotatably receive the second inner member 24 b. The ends of thecylindrical eccentric orifice 32 each include a flange 68 a, 68 b. Eachflange 68 a, 68 b extends inwardly and is configured to be adjacent toone of the faces 64 a, 64 b of the body 54 of the second inner member 24b. Thus, the flanges 68 a, 68 b will prevent the second inner member 24b from being removed from the first inner member 24 a by interference.

With reference to FIGS. 6 to 8 another support 16 is shown. The housing20 of the support 16 in this embodiment is the same as discussed above,and thus the above description of the elements of the housing 20 arehereby incorporated by reference.

Additionally, the first inner member 24 a can be the same, or, asdiscussed below, the inner surface 67 can be flat (i.e., without theflanges 68 a, 68 b). The remaining portions are the same as discussedabove, and thus the above description of the elements of the first innermember 24 a is hereby incorporated by reference.

As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the body 54′ of the second inner member 24b′ has forms a cylindrical sleeve with the eccentric orifice 56. Thebody 54′ is preferably formed by two parts 70 a, 70 b. As with the firstinner member 24 a discussed above, each part 70 a, 70 b of the body 54′preferably includes complementary shapes 72 a, 72 b in order to block atranslation in the longitudinal direction of one of the two parts 70 a,70 b relative to the other part 70 a, 70 b when the two parts 70 a, 70 bof the cylindrical sleeve are assembled. Again, as an example of thiscomplementarity, a female part 72 a is configured to receive a male part72 b.

Additionally, the front face 64 a′ of one part 70 b and the rear face 64b′ of the other part 70 a each include a tab 66′. In addition tofacilitate the manipulation of the inner members 24 a, 24 b′, each tab66′ forms a half-flange to maintain, along with the complementary shapes72 a, 72 b, the second inner member 24 b′ in the first inner member 24a. Thus, the inner surface 67 of the first inner member 24 a does notrequire the flanges 68 a, 68 b (see, e.g., FIG. 4A).

The mounting of the support 16 will now be described with theunderstanding that this process is merely a preferred process and is notintended to be limiting.

In a first step, the second inner member 24 b, 24 b′ is positioned aboutthe pipe. In embodiments with the second inner member 24 b shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B, the second inner member 24 b can be fit over the pipe10. In embodiments with the second inner member 24 b′ shown in FIGS. 9Aand 9B, the two parts part 70 a, 70 b are positioned about the pipe 10.

Subsequently, regardless of the form of the second inner member 24 b, 24b′, the first inner member 24 a is positioned about the second innermember 24 b, 24 b′. When the second inner member 24 b, 24 b′ is properlynested within the first inner member 24 a, the top cover 21 and the base22 are positioned about the first inner member 24 a. The assembledsupport 16 can be rotated to adjust the positioning of the support sothat a longitudinal axis of the pipe 10 is aligned with (or as close aspossible to) a straight line passing through the centers of the linearconnections provided at each end of the pipe 10. This will reduce thestrains on the pipe 10 and connectors. Fasteners (not shown) areinserted through apertures 28 to secure the support 16 to the structure18.

Finally, as will be appreciated, in the embodiments of FIGS. 6-8, 9A,and 9B, the orifice 26 of the support 16 that receives the pipe 10 isformed completely by the second inner member 24 b′. In contrast, in theembodiment of FIGS. 2, 3, 4A-4C, 5A, and 5B, the orifice 26 of thesupport 16 that receives the pipe 10 is formed by both the second innermember 24 b′ and the first inner member 24 a.

While at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention(s) isdisclosed herein, it should be understood that modifications,substitutions and alternatives may be apparent to one of ordinary skillin the art and can be made without departing from the scope of thisdisclosure. This disclosure is intended to cover any adaptations orvariations of the exemplary embodiment(s). In addition, in thisdisclosure, the terms “comprise” or “comprising” do not exclude otherelements or steps, the terms “a” or “one” do not exclude a pluralnumber, and the term “or” means either or both. Furthermore,characteristics or steps which have been described may also be used incombination with other characteristics or steps and in any order unlessthe disclosure or context suggests otherwise. This disclosure herebyincorporates by reference the complete disclosure of any patent orapplication from which it claims benefit or priority.

1. A support for a pipe, the support comprising: a housing comprising atop cover and at least one base; a first inner member secured within thehousing, the first inner member comprising a body with a spherical outersurface and an eccentric orifice; and, a second inner member rotateablydisposed within the eccentric orifice of the first inner member, thesecond inner member comprising a body and an eccentric orifice.
 2. Thesupport of claim 1, wherein a portion of an inner surface of the housingcomprises a spherical surface.
 3. The support of claim 2, wherein the atleast one base includes a spherical surface.
 4. The support of claim 1,wherein an inner surface of the top cover comprises a spherical surfacebounded by two inwardly extending flanges configured to retain the firstinner member within the housing.
 5. The support of claim 1, wherein thefirst inner member comprises two parts, the two parts havingcomplementary structures configured to block a translation in alongitudinal direction of one of the two parts relative to the otherpart when the two parts of the first inner member are assembled.
 6. Thesupport of claim 1, wherein the second inner member comprises a tabconfigured to rotate the second inner member relative to the base. 7.The support of claim 1, wherein the body of the second inner membercomprises a C-shape.
 8. The support of claim 1, wherein the body of thesecond inner member comprises a cylindrical sleeve.
 9. The support ofclaim 8, wherein the cylindrical sleeve comprises two parts, each parthaving complementary structures configured to block a translation in alongitudinal direction of one of the two parts relative to the otherpart when the two parts of the cylindrical sleeve are assembled.
 10. Thesupport of claim 9, wherein each part of the cylindrical sleevecomprises a tab configured to be manipulated in order to rotate thesecond inner member relative to the base.
 11. A support for a pipe, thesupport comprising: a housing comprises a top cover and at least onebase; and, at least one inner member having a spherical outer surfaceand being disposed in the housing, the at least one inner member formingan eccentric orifice configured to receive the pipe, wherein the atleast one inner member is configured to change an orientation and aposition of a longitudinal axis of the pipe.
 12. The support of claim11, wherein the at least one inner member comprises two inner membersdisposed within the housing.
 13. The support of claim 12, wherein afirst inner member comprises a body within an eccentric orifice, andwherein a second inner member comprises a body disposed within theeccentric orifice of the first inner member.
 14. The support of claim13, wherein a body of the second inner member comprises cylindricalsleeve.
 15. The support of claim 14, wherein the cylindrical sleevecomprises the eccentric orifice configured to receive the pipe.
 16. Thesupport of claim 13, wherein a body of the second inner member comprisesa C-shape.
 17. The support of claim 12, wherein a body of a first innermember comprises the spherical outer surface.
 18. The support of claim17, wherein an inner surface of the top cover comprises a sphericalsurface bounded by two inwardly extending flanges configured to retainthe first inner member within the housing.
 19. The support of claim 18,wherein an inner surface of the first inner member comprises acylindrical surface bounded by two inwardly extending flanges configuredto retain a second inner member within the first inner member.
 20. Asupport for a pipe, the support comprising: a housing comprising a topcover and at least one base; a first inner member secured within thehousing, the first inner member formed from at least two separate partsand comprising a spherical outer surface and an eccentric orifice; and,a second inner member rotateably disposed within the eccentric orificeof the first inner member, the second inner member comprising aneccentric orifice configured to receive the pipe.